Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:02:41 -0800 (PST) From: Jason Gardham Subject: "Benjamin and Me" Chapter II Author: J. Gardham gardham1@yahoo.com This story is fiction as are the characters, if you think you see yourself in this story that's cool as long as everyone remembers there's nothing in this story that isn't pure imagination. "Benjamin and Me" Chapter II We never did make it to the medium, once we discovered Benjamin and I could manage physical contact we returned to the house to discuss our findings. Ben and I were now sleeping together although Benjamin said sleep wasn't necessary for him he still enjoyed cuddling with me as I slept. That ghost of mine is such a romantic. Six months have passed and the remodeling is done, the old wall coverings have been replaced with new and the house has taken on the essence of Benjamin and I. The floors and wood work has been restored to it's original beauty and the exterior was restored just as Ben said it looked when he had it built. We've had a few neighbors stop in and congratulate us/me on the restoration giving Benjamin and I the opportunity to test out whether or not he could materialize so I could see him without others being able to, and he could. This made for interesting meetings with neighbors since Ben knew he could draw me into making comments to him when he was invisible while others were watching. For some reason this always tickled him knowing how embarrassing it was for me to get caught talking to him when no one else could see him. This was even more fun for him as we walked down the street as he carried on a conversation with me, which appeared to onlookers that their loony neighbor Thomas was talking to himself. It happened to be a beautiful fall day as Ben and I were taking a walk through the park not far from our house. There was a black man sitting on a bench tossing bread crumbs to the pigeons. As we walked by he said, "good morning guys, beautiful day isn't it?" Both Benjamin and I answered, wishing him a nice day before stopping dead in our tracks as we realized he could see both of us. Not sure I heard him right when he said, "guys" I turned to him offering my hand as I introduced myself. He took my hand, shaking it as he introduced himself as Reggie, he turned to Benjamin and said, "and you're Benjamin". Ben and I looked at each other and back at Reggie, Ben asked how he knew his name, which struck me as funny since the first question on my mind was how is it that you can even see Benjamin. "Oh I've seen Benjamin walking around ever since I was a child, he looked so sad as he tried talking to people, he'd stand in front of them and they'd just walk right through him". Ben asked why Reggie never tried to talk to him if he could see him all those years. "At first I was scared, you know as a kid, watching people walk right through you was a bit unnerving, and then as I got older it just seemed like you were always so sad looking that I just never got the nerve up to speak to you". I asked, "why now Reggie, it seemed perfectly natural as you said good morning to us". "You were both happy and my heart felt joy at seeing you two together with Benjamin having a sparkle in his eyes". "It's good to see the sadness is gone". "Thanks to Thomas here, if he hadn't come alone and bought my house I guess I would have spend eternity wandering around never having found happiness". "Yeah, I kind of guessed that when I saw you two together, I think the angels who`ve been watching over you knew it was just going to take time for this to happen". Benjamin and I both said, "Angels?" "Oh yes, angels have been watching over Benjamin ever since I've been aware of him being a ghost, and I'm sure long before that". I asked, "and you know this because?" "Because they told me so". This time it was Benjamin who seemed taken back, "you talk to angels, that's amazing I wonder why I've never seen them?" "They said you had to work through some karma that you brought on yourself, they know you didn't commit suicide but they also were aware that you were thinking seriously about it, and the fact that you tripped and the gun went off accidentally left everything in limbo, you never really had a chance to make that final decision for yourself". Benjamin thought for a moment before answering, "I'm sorry I was considering killing myself I know it`s wrong, but I'm also happy to have met Thomas which wouldn't have happened if I hadn't died." "I think that maybe what they've been waiting to hear Benjamin, knowing that you are sorry for thinking of killing yourself, realizing that it was wrong, perhaps things will change for you now". "Change how Reggie?" "Maybe you can go home now, I'm not sure to be honest Benjamin". I jumped into the conversation with both feet at hearing this, "wait just a minute I don't want Ben going anywhere, it's the first time in my life I've met someone I love and who really loves me back". "Thomas you have to remember Benjamin is dead and he's been in limbo a long time maybe the decision is up to him, as I said I'm not really sure what will happen at this point". I turned and looked at Benjamin with tears in my eyes, he smiled and pulled me into a reassuring hug, "I haven't any plans on leaving you Thomas, you know how much I love you". "It's because of the depth of our love we've developed the ability to touch each other and we'll find a way of working this out". "I clung to Ben as tight as I could just the thought of losing him was breaking my heart. Turning back to Reggie, we found he was gone, not a sound and nowhere in sight, he was just gone as if he'd never been sitting there talking with us. Benjamin reached up and wiped tears from my face as he whispered, "dear God I love this man so much I can't bare the thought of losing him, please let us stay together". Walking back to the house we stopped in front of the small store that was in front of our property by the sidewalk. A boy of about eight walked up and stood beside us looking up at me he said, "I wish that guy who fixed bikes was still here, I saved some money and was hoping he'd sell me one cheap". I looked down at him, he seemed frail and kind of lost, his clothes were old but clean, someone was doing their best to look after him. "you know it seems like when I was storing things in here I saw a couple of bikes sitting around, hang on and I'll open it up maybe there's something here that will work for you". "What's your name?" "Billy", "I was hoping to get a bike so I could keep my paper route, they told me my customers were complaining because it took me so long to get to their houses and I'd have to work faster if I wanted to keep my route". I found my keys and opened the store, it was starting to get dark so I flipped on a light, the place was dusty and basically a real mess, I hadn't paid much attention to it since I didn't have any plans on using it. Over toward one side there was a bike hanging on the wall, it was filthy but looked like it was fixed and usable. I lifted it down and asked Billy if he thought it would work for him, the kid had the biggest smile on his face I think I've ever seen. "The tires are flat but that may be just from not being used for such a long time, I'll see if I can pump them up, if they'll hold air it's yours Billy". "I only have twenty-five dollars saved, will that be enough?" "Well let's see, maybe if you'll come back tomorrow and help me clean this place up we'll call it even, how's that sound?" "That's great Mr. what time should I be here". "My names Thomas and let's say around nine o'clock tomorrow morning". "Thanks Mr. Thomas I'll be here right a nine". "It's just Thomas, not Mr., see you tomorrow Billy". Benjamin stood there without saying a word as he watched the scene unfold before him, "you've got a heart of gold Thomas". "I can't believe the kindness that just flows so naturally from you, I don`t believe there`s a selfish bone in your body". Taking my hand we walked to the house, our house, it really was beautiful fully restored to it's original elegance. My heart was burdened with thoughts of what might happen to Benjamin and I, losing him from my life seemed unthinkable. After breakfast the following morning Ben, Fred and I went out to the store around eight-thirty and found Billy already standing out front waiting for us. "You're a bit early aren't you?" "Yeah, I was too excited so I came early, hope that's okay". "You should have come up to the house you could have had breakfast with us". "Who's us?" "Ah...oh you know my dog Fred and I". Benjamin was rolling his eyes at me with a silly grin on his face, "good save Thomas". This was going to take some practice on my part, Benjamin is so much a part of my life that I forget he's a ghost. Billy and I spent the morning cleaning up the store, and moving things into places that gave the store room for walking without bumping into junk. The tires on the bike held air and as Billy turned to start cleaning it he discovered it was shinny clean and looked like new, Wow! "Thomas you already cleaned my bike it beautiful". "No I didn't....ah yup, it cleaned up pretty nice didn't it". I looked over at Ben who had that fantastic smile of his working and just shrugged his shoulders, whispering, "I had to do something to help didn't I?" Whispering back, I said, "it looks great Benjamin but you should warned me before I made myself look silly since I didn't know you'd cleaned it already". Laughing Ben replied, "and take all the fun out of watching you talk yourself of those situations, no way Thomas". "Billy, you did a great job, I can hardly believe how nice this store looks". "Thanks Thomas and thanks for letting me work to pay for the bike". "You're more than welcome and let us know how things go with the paper route" "Will do, see ya later guys". "Guys?, I hope he meant Fred and I". "Don't think so Thomas, Fred went back up to the house a couple of hours ago and Billy was looking right at me when he said, see you later guys". "Well that sends chills right up my spine". "It shouldn't, Billy was completely fine with it". "Hmmmmm, maybe your right Ben, I hope so". "Benjamin, we need to talk about this sense of humor of yours, especially when it's at my expense". "Okay, can we talk about it while we're soaking in the tub?" "Tub?" "Yup! the tub, you are so dirty I can hardly see you, but you know what babe, even dirty you're an absolute treasure to behold". Looking at myself in the mirror I started laughing, good grief, Billy wasn't nearly this dirty, what happened to me? "You dear boy, did most of the dirty work that's what happened to you, if you'll start the water running I`ll help you wash some of that muck off". It was funny one of the few things Benjamin wasn't yet able to do was turn the faucets on. Getting the tub filled to almost overflowing and throwing in some bubble bath, I stripped out of my clothes, and stepped into the tub, Benjamin was already soaking that beautiful body of his. He pulled me up so I had my legs wrapped around his waist so he could wash my face and chest, Benjamin's touch was always stimulating and sensual. He told me to turn around and he pulled me back in between his legs so he could wash my back and hair, I could feel his erection rubbing on my arse cheeks. He scrubbed my back clean and massaged my hair and scalp with the apple scented shampoo, it felt so good I just slid back onto Ben's chest and let my body relax. "Don't you dare fall asleep on me, I have plans for you that make it necessary for you to stay awake". By the time we got out of the tub my legs were like rubber, thankfully Ben towel dried me and threw the bedding back letting me lay on my back on nice clean fresh sheets. He pushed my legs apart and slipped in between them resting with his elbows on either side of me as he looked into my eyes. "Thomas do you have any idea how much I love you, you really have stolen my heart". "Yes Benjamin, I think I do because that's just how much I'm in love with you". He leaned down and kissed my nose, my eyelids, my forehead, my ears, my chin, I pointed to my lips, he leaned in a gave me a tender, loving kiss that made my heart swell. Moving down he run his tongue up between my nipples right on up over my throat and back to my lips. I opened to him and took in his tongue and sucked on it while he moaned into me. He took my arms by the wrist and moved them up so they were resting beneath my head, moving down he circled my right nipple before nibbling and nipping it with his teeth drawing a loud moan from me. Switching to the left nipple he repeated the same arousing torture eliciting another loud moan. Leaving my head resting on my hands where Ben obviously wanted them I was having a hard time laying still. Sliding further down he run his very talented tongue into my navel before moving down and sucking on my pubic hair and twisting it with his tongue, I've never had anyone to that and it just about drove me crazy. As he continued this he had my cock rubbing beneath his chin with the hair on his chest tickling my balls, I was almost on sensual overload, precum was oozing out lubricating my cock shaft and the underside of his chin making it that must more sensitive to his touch. My hips were raised off the bed and I was squirming almost out of control as rope after rope of cum shot from the head of my cock hitting my chin and mouth and all down my chest, I'd never came so much in my entire life. I was totally drained as Benjamin licked his way up my body after sucking my cock clean, licking my chest, chin and lips before running his tongue in my mouth where I sucked it clean of my own seed. I honestly don't think I could have crawled let alone walk I was so wasted. Ben rolled beside me, "time for some shut eye babe you worked hard all day". "Not yet Benjamin, I haven't satisfied your needs" "I have a confession to make Thomas, when you shot your load and cum landed on your mouth the sight of it sent me over the edge and I climaxed on the sheets". "Lets rest now, sweet dreams Thomas, I love you". "Love you too". Waking the next morning I found Benjamin was already up and outside, I went to the window and saw him standing looking at a couple of stables that hadn't been remodeled into garages. I pulled some old pajama bottoms on and went outside and slipped my arms around him. "Hmmmm, you smell good this morning Ben". "Morning Tom, hope I didn't wake you when I got up". "You didn't sweetie, you never do, what you up to?" "Oh just reminiscing about the horses that used to be stabled here". "You miss riding?" "Yes, kind of". "I love to ride let's get a couple of good riding horses and fix up the stables, there's plenty of acreage here for riding, we could make some trails though those woods and then into the meadow". Ben turned and looked at Thomas for the longest time before he pulled him into a hug and whispered, "you don't have to do everything you think I want Thomas, I couldn't love you anymore no matter what you did". "I know, but I love riding and we have the stables and the land for riding there's no reason not to". Benjamin stepped back and starting laughing, "what are you laughing at now?" "You Thomas, you fill me with such happiness, it just overwhelms me at times". "Here I thought all this time it was my beautiful masculine body that overwhelmed you". "Well that goes without saying smartass". We started going through the stables seeing what needed to be done to restore them to usable condition. In the second stable we entered there was a tarp over something in the corner, I swear I saw it move and motioned to Benjamin to move back. I quietly walked over and yanked the tarp off and there sat the skinniest young man I think I've ever seen. He started to run as I grabbed his arm, which wasn't much more than skin drawn over bone. "What are you doing in the stable?" "Please don't call the police, I won't bother you anymore, I was just trying to find a place to sleep". "Are the police looking for you?" "No, but I don't know what they'd do to me for trespassing on your land". "Why are you trespassing by the way?" "My dad threw me out of the house and I didn't know where to go and then I found these old stables and stayed in here hoping no one would find me". "Why'd your dad put you out of the house?" "I decided to tell him and mom I was gay hoping they'd understand, but I was wrong, believe me they didn't understand, they went crazy and threw me out with only the clothes I'm wearing". "What's your name?" "Larry", are you going to call the cops?" "No we're not going to call the cops, when is the last time you've eaten?" "Three days ago I found some food in the dumpster behind Marko's Restaurant, but not since then". "Is your friend angry with me?" "What friend?" "The guy standing right over there". "You can see him?" "Of course I can see him, can't you?" Looking at Benjamin who looked as confused as I was just shrugged his shoulders". "There`s a bit of story that goes with that question, let's get you in the house and get some food in your stomach before pass out, .... Too late, Larry had just collapsed into Thomas's arms". "What's the fuck is wrong with people Ben, how could anyone throw their own flesh and blood out with nothing to eat or no place to go." I looked up a Benjamin and saw that his thoughts were in the past where his lover had been shot for the simple fact that he was gay, I must be more careful of what I say. "I sorry Benjamin, I didn't mean to bring back sad memories". "It's okay Thomas, I was just thinking we're all the same, we fall in love, we share our life with that one person who we give our heart to, what difference does it make who we fall in love with". "That's the question of the ages Ben, hopefully some day people will realize it's not who we love, but the fact that we do love that's important." "We need to get this young man to the house, I believe he's actually starving to death and it looks like it's up to us to see that doesn't happen". The first thing Ben and I did was to get some fresh water into Larry's system, while I was doing that Ben heated some left over soup from yesterdays evening meal. We managed to get enough down Larry so his strength came back enough so he could talk again. We asked how long ago his parents threw him out, it had been six months, six months with nothing but the clothes on his back and no money to even buy something to eat. He told us he was eighteen years old, and had tried everything to find work but in this lousy economy he couldn't find a job anyplace and the dirtier and thinner he became the more people to turn him away. I fought back tears as I told Larry he was safe with us and he had a place to stay as long as he needed. Trying to appear as if I was teasing I said, "Would you like to soak in a tub of warm water for a while, you look like you could use a good scrubbing down". Larry actually laughed as he looked down on himself and his filthy clothes, "yeah, a bath would be a welcome sight if you guys don't mind". We took him upstairs and filled the tub with scented water and bubble bath and told Larry to drop his clothes in the hallway we'd pick them up and toss them into the washer for him. Minutes later we found what was left of his torn and beat up clothing in the hall outside the bathroom door. "Thomas we'll have to throw these clothes out, if we wash them they'll disintegrate for sure". "My clothes will be large on him but they'll have to do until we can buy some that'll fit him properly". I rummaged up a fairly new pair of jeans, a t-shirt, sweatshirt, socks and an extra pair of sneakers for him and we laid them outside the bathroom door for him. Ben called through the door that there were clothes in the hall for him to put on when he was done, we didn't hear a response. I leaned close with my ear on the door I could hear crying, there's things that just really get to me and hearing that scared kid crying alone really did it. Ben put his arms around me and pulled me away from the door, "he'll be okay Thomas we'll make sure of it, it'll take some time but with some decent food to build him up and a lot of tender loving care he'll make it. "I'm so glad we found him this morning Benjamin, what would have happened if we hadn't?" "Thomas we'll never know because we did find him and that was meant to be, he's safe and you and I can love him like our own son". "let's just take this as we take all other things that come our way, one step and one day at a time". "How did you become so wise Ben?" "All I have to do is look into your eyes and see the light that shines with love for everyone you meet Thomas, the wisdom I gain is from watching you and how you give of yourself so freely without an unkind thought entering your heart". "You are so unaware of your own goodness, you're a miracle Thomas". "I do wonder how Larry was able to see me, how do you think that happened Thomas". "I've been given that some thought Ben, I think Larry was so worn down and close to death himself that he was almost in an in between state of life and death which allowed him to see both of us as real." "We're going to have to try and make him understand the situation as soon as possible so it won't come as a complete shock once he's healthy". "Yes I guess it would be a bit of a shocker if I suddenly just disappeared in front of him once his health starts to return". Larry came walking downstairs in Thomas's clothes, he had scrubbed himself shinny clean. "Thanks for letting me bath, it feels good to have that filth washed off, I used some of you shampoo, I hope it was okay". "Of course it was okay, you look great we hope you're feeling better, we were just about to start working on dinner is there anything special you'd like?" Larry was surprised that he was expected to stay for dinner and wasn't sure what was taking place in his life. "If you don't mind I'd like to have dinner with you, but you've done so much already". Ben said, "Larry take a seat and let's talk about what's going to happen with you". "First, you have a place to stay as long as you want to, the offer we made earlier allowing you to live here still stands". "This house is huge and there's plenty of room so it's not an imposition to Thomas and I and if you're willing to help around here we sure could use it". Thomas added, "we're planning on buying some horses so we'll need the stables brought up to standard and we have two-hundred acres of land here to be cared for so there's lots of work if you're interested, but not until you're feeling up to it". "Right now we need you to build up your strength, your body is nothing more than skin and bone you need to put on at least thirty-five or forty pounds for a guy your height". Larry just sat there looking stunned, Thomas asked if he was okay. His eyes filled with tears and Ben reached over and took his hand, "it's okay Larry, we know how you feel everything has changed and it's a bit much for you to take in". "You know I'm gay and you still want me to live here and help out?" Ben and Tom looked at each other both realizing that Larry hadn't given a thought to the fact that they might also be gay. "Larry, Benjamin and I are gay, so having another gay man here isn't exactly a big shock to us". "You guys are gay?" "I thought I was the only person in Berlin who was gay". "Nope you not alone, although sometime I'll tell you why I chose Berlin as a place to move to". Benjamin looked at Thomas and laughed. "Larry there is something else we need to talk to you about and it isn't going to be any easier for us to tell you than it is for you to accept". Benjamin gave Thomas a surprised look, "you think now is a good time?" "Benjamin we might as well lay it all out on the table now as later". Larry said, "if you're talking about that fact that Benjamin's a ghost I'm already aware of that". Thomas and Benjamin just sat there staring at each other before Benjamin said, "and how did you come to that conclusion?" "There was a guy named Reggie who came into the bathroom and helped wash my hair and he told me a lot of things about you guys, although he didn't mention you were gay, that is a surprise, he told me I was safe and to trust you, that you were good people". Both Ben and Tom said, "a guy named Reggie....in our bathroom.....helping you wash your hair...." "Yes wasn't he suppose to come in and talk to me, I thought you guys sent him in?" "Oh it's okay I guess, we just haven't quite figured Reggie out yet is all". "This just keeps getting weirder and weirder Ben". "Yes, I think we need to have another chat with Reggie when and if he shows up again". "Larry why is it you're surprised that Benjamin and I are gay but it didn't seem to surprise you that Benjamin's a ghost?" "I don't know I guess I've always believed there were ghosts, but I had no idea you guys were gay". "Getting back to the matter at hand are you okay with living here with us and helping around the place?" "Are you kidding me, this is heaven sent, I can't believe you guys will let me live here in this beautiful house, I'll do anything you ask as far as work and helping". "There's always things to be done, but the first thing we need to do is get some meat on your bones, everything else will fall into place as it should". We fixed dinner and managed a lot of small talk until it was done". Without our asking Larry looked through the cupboards and found dishes to set the table, it was good to see a smile on his thin face. He ate like a starving trucker which delighted Ben and I. When we finished dinner Larry immediately cleared the table and started putting dishes in the dishwasher. "I have a feeling you've done this before Larry". "Yeah, I had to do the dishes at home, keep the house clean, mow the grass, take out the garbage, and keep the car washed and detailed". Ben started laughing, Larry and I both looked at him wondering what struck him so funny. Ben said, "I wonder how your parents are managing without you there to do all the work for them?" Larry sat down and thought about that before he started laughing, "yeah I hadn't thought about who would do all the things that were considered "my jobs", I hope they get used to doing for themselves". Six weeks went by and Larry had put on twenty-five pounds and was beginning to look like one hot and sexy young man. Benjamin had been cutting his hair into a nice style that really suited him and the work he was doing getting the stables ready for the workmen had put some nice muscle on him. Ben and I both found it hard to keep our eyes off him when we're all working together outside with our shirts off. Larry's broad shoulders and chest had developed into every man's dream tapering down to a twenty-nine inch waist followed by a bubble butt you could serve tea on, you could say he had become quite an attractive distraction. Climbing ladders constantly to clear junk from the eves and roof had built up his legs which were tanned to perfection from wearing shorts as he was working outside all day. Eat your hearts out girls this sexy young man is going to make another sexy young man a perfect mate when he decides he`s ready to make that commitment. We discovered Larry's nineteenth birthday was coming up this weekend and decided to surprise him by taking him with us to pick out the horses we planed on buying. We thought we'd stand back and watch until we could see which one he took a special shine to and it would be his as his nineteenth birthday gift. That evening the doorbell rang surprising all of us since in the time we've been here visitors have been few and far between. Larry answered the door and called back to us that a kid named Billy and his dad were here. Ben and I looked at each other as I said, "I almost forgot about Billy with everything else we've been involved in, guess we better go see what's up". Going to the door we found Billy and his dad in the foyer with Fred who was jumping all over Billy. "I reached out to shake Billy's dad's hand as I asked Billy how the paper delivery business was going?" Billy introduced me to his dad, Glen and we invited them in to the living room where we all took seats. Ben hadn't said anything yet, not sure whether or not Billy or his dad could see him. "Glen what brings you to our humble home this evening?" "Humble...... this place is unbelievable I've never seen anything like it". "Billy wanted to thank you for the bike and let you know he was doing well with his paper route". "I came along because I don't like him out alone after dark, I hope you don't mind". "Not at all, can we get you something to drink, a cold beer, soda, tea?" Neither Benjamin nor I had missed the looks passing back and forth between Larry and Glen. I asked Larry and Glen if they knew each other and they said no and Larry did a nice blush. Glen didn't look like he could have been much over twenty-seven or twenty-eight, he must have fathered Billy very young. It was easy to see where Billy got his looks, his dad was a knock out and I could easily see why he had caught Larry's eye. If I wasn't missing my guess Larry had also caught Glen's eye. I wondered looking at Billy if at nine years old he caught any of this attraction between Larry and his dad. Bill spoke up and asked who the other guy was, Larry, Ben, and I just looked at Billy and waited for a reaction from Glen which came almost immediate. "What other guy Billy?" "The guy sitting next to Thomas on the sofa". Okay mystery solved, there was only one of us who couldn't see Benjamin and that was Glen. What to do now was the interesting question of the evening. "What are you talking about Billy there isn't anyone sitting on the sofa next to Thomas". Larry's head was bouncing back and forth between each of us as the conversation continued, it appeared he was getting a kick out of the situation. "Glen there is an explanation but first I want to ask your son a question or two". "Billy when did you first see the guy sitting next to me, his name is Benjamin by the way". "I saw him when you turned and realized my bike was all cleaned up, you seemed surprised and he stood there with a big smile on his face". "Billy do you have any idea what Ben is?" "Well since he just sort of appeared out of nowhere I figured he was a ghost". "And that didn't scare you?" "No, you were there and he looked like a really nice guy". Glen started sputtering, "Ben.....ghost....appeared,....what's going on?" "Okay Glen this isn't going to be easy, kids seem pretty relaxed about finding Benjamin living here as a ghost but I'm not sure how you're going to take this". "Benjamin can you make yourself appear to Glen?" "I'm not sure why he can't see me now, everyone else can, but I'll put more effort into it and see what happens". "Who said that?" "Glen you heard that?" "yes", and apparently he did since he turned several shades of white. Benjamin give it all he had and slowly he materialized to Glen as he sat next to me, at which time Glen passed out and slid out of his chair scaring Billy out of his wits. "Dad, dad, what's wrong, Thomas something's wrong with dad, can you help him?" "Calm down Billy your dad's okay he's just fainted, Larry get us a damp cloth", Larry was way ahead of me and handed one to me immediately, I patted Glens' face until he started to come around. Ben and I noticed Larry was kneeling beside Glen rubbing his forehead as he spoke softly to him telling him it was okay, "you'll get used to it Glen, it just take a bit of time is all". Glen looked up into Larry's eyes and gave him a faint smile as Larry continued to stroke his forehead. Larry lifted Glen up so his head was resting in his lap and we noticed Glen didn't give any sign of objecting to the intimacy. I took Billy into the kitchen and we each had a coke from the refrigerator. Sitting at the table, I told Billy his dad would be fine there was no need to worry, he had simply reacted to a shock to his system. "I know, he's fine and I know why you brought me in the kitchen". "And just why do you think I brought you in here for anything other than a coke". "Thomas I'm not stupid, dad and Larry had sparks flying and you wanted me out of the way". "Yeah, you're right about that, I just thought it might be nice if we gave them some privacy for a few minutes". "It's okay, I know my dads gay, and I want you to know he's the best dad ever'. He doesn't know I'm aware of it but he goes without enough food to make sure I don't go hungry". "Yes I'd say that's a father who loves his son". "So I take it you and your dad are having some hard times in this stinking economy". "Dad was studying at the university to become an anesthesiologist when I was born and my mother just dropped me off on him unexpectedly". He gave up everything for me, all his dreams of becoming a doctor, everything he ever wanted in life is gone because of me". With that Billy started to cry, I put my arms around him and pulled to me and let him cry. "Billy, nothing in life at nine years of age is your fault we'll figure this out, try not to worry about it". Glen and Larry walked in together with Benjamin close behind, apparently they had worked out the kinks of the ghost in the house shocker. Glen came to his son and kneeled down and took him in his arms to comfort him, it was obvious he worshipped his son. "What's wrong son?" "It's nothing dad, I was just afraid you were sick or something, it scared me when you fell". "I'm sorry kiddo, it was just a bit of a shock running into a ghost, but I have to admit he one heck of a nice ghost". When Glen looked up at me I shook my head indicating there was more to Billy's problem than he was telling. After a few more minutes of chat Glen said they'd better head for home it was getting late and Billy had a school day tomorrow. Larry and Benjamin picked up on the fact that I wanted to talk to Glen without Billy hearing and they walked out onto the lawn with Fred as I ask Glen if he would mind stopping in tomorrow while Billy was in school, we need to talk. He said he would, we shook hands as he went out and we all waved as they headed on home. Benjamin said he'd like to follow them home, there was something bothering him and he said he'd be back shortly, with that he faded away so he couldn't be seen. Larry looked at me with a "what's that about look" and I said, "I guess we'll know when he gets back". To be continued Jason Gardham